Quang Ninh to Host the 2008 Ha Long Tourism Festival

The 2008 Ha Long Tourism Festival titled “Ha Long – The Natural Wonder of the World” will be held in the Quang Ninh Province from 25 April – 1 May 2008.

The Quang Ninh Province People’s Committee announced this at a press conference in HCMC last week.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site the province, features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.

Ha Long Bay

The main activities of the event will occur on the Bai Chay ferry, Bai Chay Bridge and the Cua Luc Gulf.

In addition, the Bai Chay tourist area, Tuan Chau resort, the Viet Nam – Japan Labour Cultural Palace, the Children’s Palace and the streets in the heart of Ha Long City will also host various programs. Supporting activities will be organized in the provinces’ tourism centers including Mong Cai, Van Don, Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched a campaign to encourage people nationwide to vote for Ha Long Bay as a new natural wonder.

"Ha Long Bay features an enormous significance in the areas of geology, ecology, aesthetics, culture and history and is regarded as a masterpiece of nature," said Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"It is also seen as national property and is cherished as one of the cultural heritages of the country. People, both at home and abroad, should join hands to vote the famous rock formation, which is currently in the first position in the competition, to become a new seven wonder of the world,” he added.